8 March 2009

IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Organisations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues. Globally this year the United nations is highlighting "Women and men united to end violence against women and girls". Here in Canada the theme this year is "Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality."

Thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where their children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

Globally women account for the majority of people aged over 60

Over 80,530,000 women die in pregnancy or childbirth each year

Of 1.2 billion people living in poverty worldwide, 70% are women80% of the world's 27 million refugees are women

Women own around only 1% of the world's land

Women are 2/3 of the 1 billion+ illiterate adults who have no access to basic education

Women do two-thirds of the world's work but receive only 10% of the world's income

One year out of college women earn 20% less than men and 10 years later 31% less

Women on average are away from the workforce for 14.7 years compared to 1.6 years for men

56% of women who voted supported Obama compared to only 49% of men voted for Obama

Celebrate the women in your life!!!!

I chose to make a carrot cake. This is not my usual light version of carrot cake, nor this version from Rebar, but, a full flavoured, sweet and incredibly textured moist and definitely delicious version.... but not for the calorie wise. It still uses very little oil which I really like. It gets a lot of its moisture factor from a buttermilk syrup that is poured on while fresh from the oven. My experience tells me this always makes for a delicious and moist cake. I have made this version for years!!!

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.

Happy IWD! I'm so impressed at how involved you are highlighting various global issues. Discussions about women and violence have been frequent in my home lately due to a situation involving a couple of singers that are very popular with my children and their friends. It's a horrible situation, yet it's given me the opportunity to show my girls and my son how completely unacceptable it is. ANYWAY ... your recipe today is completely, desirably, wonderfully acceptable! YUM! My daughter and one of my friends LOVE carrot cake! YUM!

What a perfect cake for IWD! As if carrot cake wasn't delicious enough...add buttermilk (plus all these delicious ingredients---just look at that list!) and it's as close to heaven as a cake is going to get!

What a beautiful tribute. Now if someone would send me this by email instead of "send this to 10 women in your life or you'll have bad luck" I'd be thrilled. Now that it's cut - it's even more beautiful.

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 9 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.